To Katherine,Luther’s wife letter 2 - Martin Luther

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER’ S WIFE

Written on the way to Eisenach to meet the Elector and Landgrave Philip to discuss the latter’s double marriage.

July 2, 1540.

Grace and peace, my dear Kathie! I wish you to know that I am well. I eat like a Bohemian and drink like a German, for which God be thanked. Amen. The reason for this is that Philip was verily dead, and, like Lazarus, has been raised from the dead. God, the dear Father, hears our prayers. This we can understand, although often we do not believe it. I have written to Dr. Pommer that the Count of Schwarzburg wishes a pastor for Greussen, so you might, like a clever lady and doctoress, confer with Herr George Major and M. Ambrosio, to see which of the three whom I mentioned to Pommer could be persuaded to go. It is not a bad living, but do you be clever and make it better. I have received the children’s letters with that of Baccalarien (who is no child), but nothing from your Grace, therefore I trust you will answer the four letters all at once with your gracious hand. I herewith send the silver apple to Paul, the gift of your hand, which, as I said before, you must divide among the children, and ask how many cherries and apples they would take for it, and pay them in ready money, and keep the stem. Say to our dear boarders, particularly Dr. Schiefer, with my love, that I hope they will look after everything connected with churches, schools, and house, and wherever necessary. Also I trust M.

Major and M. Ambrosio will be a comfort to you in the house. And, God willing, we shall leave Weimar on Sunday for Eisenach, and bring Philip with us. I commit you to God. Say to Wolf that he must attend to the mulberries, and not idle his time away, and draw the wine away at the proper time. Let all be joyful and pray. Amen.

MARTIN LUTHER, THY WELL-BELOVED. WEIMAR.